Mystery of God’s Ways

Pastor's blog, Uncategorized

In the wake of the trial and sentencing of the person who killed many in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in the shadow of too many antisemitic acts of hate every day we need to remember these words from Paul: the Jews are given “the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises, the patriarchs and prophets” (Romans 9:4-5). And in our lesson for this coming Sunday Paul flatly states that the Jews are God’s people, the recipients of these inestimable gifts and working of God which “are irrevocable.”

Civic Engagement of Lutherans

Pastor's blog

I have been viewing the materials for the ELCA study on civic engagement with much excitement and anticipation. With the help of the Global Links Team we will be engaging in this study during the Adult Forum this Fall and sharing our insights with the ELCA as it completes a Social Statement on this topic and brings it to the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Watch for details and materials on this in the near future.

Consider Leviathan

Pastor's blog

This past Sunday we began a study of the book of Genesis in the Adult Forum. (Come, join us at 8:45!)
As we read the first of the creation stories (Genesis 1:1 – 2:3) we saw reference to the creation of the “great sea monsters” – Leviathan – on the fifth day. Leviathan is the beast which the Psalmist reports (Psalm 104:26) the Creator formed simply to enjoy as it sported in the seas.

The origin of the Leviathan stories in the ancient near east is anchored in the people’s experience of the crocodilians that inhabited their world. This past week I had opportunity to get up close and personal with a lot of crocodilians and through that experience, came to better understand a Creator who delights in them.

In the Beginning. . .

Pastor's blog

This coming Sunday I want to invite you to the Adult Forum where we will begin the study of the Book of Genesis. The book is a panorama of fascinating stories: about how our world came into existence; the beginnings of human life after the Fall from Eden: Cain and Abel, Noah’s Ark, the Tower of Babel. Then in Chapter 12 begins the story of Abraham and Sarah as God begins to gather people through whom God will restore Creation and reconcile all things in God’s graceful love. The stories of the formation of this family are larger than life. Here is how Frederich Buechner, in “Peculiar Treasures,” begins to retell the story of Joseph and his brothers:

Giving From the Heart

Pastor's blog

Giving From the Heart. Soon we will be sharing with you the report of our giving in June. As you know the trend has been increasing deficits between the offerings we receive and the money we spend on our ministry. My prayer is that each of us, giving from the heart and in gratitude to Jesus for all of our blessings, will make regular and generous contributions to the mission of our church.

Prisoners of Hope

Pastor's blog

When our lessons give us texts from little known Biblical writers, I like to take a moment and get to know them. This Sunday we will hear from the prophet Zechariah. Here is a little background on Zechariah whose depiction of the king who will come to us “humble and riding on a donkey,” has been seen by the Christian church as a reference to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

Summer Memories, Summer Sadness

Pastor's blog

Several years ago, I invited a colleague, an Evanston resident, to join the Windy City Miata Club cohort in the Evanston July 4th Parade. She had a great time breakfasting with club members before the Parade, helping to decorate the roadsters in red, white, and blue, and riding shotgun in the Parade, waving to the enthusiastic crowds which lined Central Street. When the day was over she thanked me, explaining that the summer holidays are always harder for her than Thanksgiving and Christmas.